Commentary on the First Paragraph of Beelzebub’s Tales: A Window into Gurdjieff’s Genius (part 2 of 3)

CHAPTER 1 The Arousing of Thought

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Among other convictions formed in my common presence during my responsible, peculiarly composed life, there is one such also—an indubitable conviction—that always and everywhere on the earth, among people of every degree of development of understanding and of every form of manifestation of the factors which engender in their individuality all kinds of ideals, there is acquired the tendency, when beginning anything new, unfailingly to pronounce aloud or, if not aloud, at least mentally, that definite utterance understandable to every even quite illiterate person, which in different epochs has been formulated variously and in our day is formulated in the following words: “In the name of the Father and of the Son and in the name of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” https://gurdjieff.work/ae/chapters/chapter01.htm

Having established the esoteric framework of the first paragraph—its invocation, alignment with the Laws of Three and Seven, and its role in refining hydrogens—this second part delves deeper into the metaphysical symbolism and narrative techniques Gurdjieff employs. By examining Beelzebub’s character, the cosmic context, and the broader implications of his journey, we uncover how Gurdjieff’s storytelling acts as both a teaching and a transformative tool.

1. Beelzebub: The Archetype of the Awakened Being

Beelzebub is a complex figure, one whose very existence bridges multiple levels of reality. He is portrayed as a being who has fallen from grace but has achieved redemption through his conscious efforts. This duality reflects a central theme in Gurdjieff’s teachings: the possibility of transformation through intentional work.

The Fall and Redemption

Beelzebub’s fall represents humanity’s own condition—one of separation from higher realities. In esoteric terms, this fall can be understood as a descent into denser states of existence, where consciousness becomes trapped in mechanical habits and identification with the material world. Beelzebub’s redemption, achieved through self-awareness and effort, demonstrates the potential for return—a process of ascending back toward finer energies and alignment with universal laws.

This archetypal journey echoes the ancient myths of fallen deities and heroes, yet Gurdjieff reinterprets it within the framework of his cosmology. Beelzebub’s redemption is not a matter of divine grace alone; it is earned through conscious labor and intentional suffering, principles that lie at the heart of Gurdjieff’s Fourth Way teachings.

Beelzebub as the Reader’s Guide

Beelzebub serves as a surrogate for the reader, modeling the path of self-transformation. His wisdom, tempered by experience and struggle, reflects the qualities necessary for awakening: humility, perseverance, and a willingness to confront one’s limitations. As a character, he embodies the higher centers of human consciousness, guiding his grandson Hassein—and by extension, the reader—toward a deeper understanding of cosmic laws.

2. The Cosmic Context: Humanity’s Place in the Universe

Gurdjieff’s cosmology, as introduced in the first chapter, places humanity within a vast and interconnected cosmic system. This perspective challenges the anthropocentric worldview prevalent in modern thought, inviting the reader to adopt a broader, more objective understanding of existence.

The Ray of Creation

Central to Gurdjieff’s cosmology is the Ray of Creation, a hierarchical structure that describes the descent of energies from the Absolute (pure, undivided consciousness) to the most material levels of existence. Beelzebub’s tales occur within this framework, situating humanity on a scale of being that is both humbling and empowering.

The Interdependence of All Beings

Gurdjieff emphasizes that no being exists in isolation; all are interconnected through the laws of the cosmos. Beelzebub’s observations of Earthly humanity reflect this principle, highlighting the ways in which human actions affect the broader cosmic order. This interdependence underscores the importance of awakening, not just for individual transformation but for the harmonious functioning of the entire system.

3. Storytelling as a Transformative Tool

Gurdjieff’s use of storytelling in Beelzebub’s Tales is a deliberate and masterful strategy. Unlike traditional esoteric texts, which often rely on abstract philosophical discourse, Gurdjieff embeds his teachings in a richly symbolic narrative that engages the reader on multiple levels.

Engaging the Three Centers

As discussed in Part 1, Gurdjieff’s teachings aim to harmonize the intellectual, emotional, and instinctive centers. His storytelling technique serves this purpose by:

This multidimensional engagement ensures that the reader’s entire being participates in the process of learning, making the act of reading itself a transformative experience.

Language as a Barrier and a Key

Gurdjieff’s use of dense, labyrinthine language in the first chapter is intentional. By making the text difficult to read, he forces the reader to slow down, pay attention, and exert conscious effort. This approach mirrors the work required for self-transformation, where superficial understanding must give way to deeper insight.

At the same time, Gurdjieff employs language as a key to unlock hidden truths. His unique terminology—such as “Hyparxis,” “Kundabuffer,” and “Law of Seven”—acts as a cipher, requiring the reader to decode their meanings through sustained study and reflection. This dual function of language—as both a barrier and a key—reflects the paradoxical nature of esoteric knowledge, which must be both protected and revealed.

4. The Role of Hassein: The Seeker’s Perspective

Hassein, Beelzebub’s grandson, represents the perspective of the seeker—the one who is curious, open, and eager to learn. Through Hassein’s questions and observations, Gurdjieff creates a dynamic interplay between teacher and student, mirroring the relationship between the text and the reader.

Hassein as a Mirror for the Reader

Hassein’s role as a curious and receptive student allows the reader to identify with his journey. Like Hassein, the reader is invited to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and remain open to new perspectives. This relationship fosters a sense of active engagement, transforming the act of reading into a participatory dialogue.

The Importance of Unlearning

Hassein’s youthful innocence also highlights the importance of unlearning—the process of shedding preconceived notions and habitual patterns of thought. This theme is central to Gurdjieff’s teachings, which emphasize the need to dismantle the false personality and reconnect with one’s true essence.

5. Symbolism in Beelzebub’s Journey

Beelzebub’s cosmic journey is rich with symbolic meaning, reflecting the broader processes of spiritual evolution and cosmic harmony. His movement through space represents the interplay of descending and ascending energies within the Ray of Creation, as well as the possibility of transcendence through conscious effort.

The Spaceship as a Symbol of Conscious Work

Beelzebub’s spaceship can be interpreted as a symbol of conscious work—a vehicle that allows one to navigate the vastness of the cosmos with intention and purpose. Unlike mechanical beings, who are carried passively by the forces of the universe, Beelzebub exercises conscious control over his journey, reflecting the potential for humans to transcend their mechanical nature.

The Grandson as a Symbol of Transmission

Hassein’s presence on the spaceship highlights the importance of transmission—the passing of esoteric knowledge from one generation to the next. This transmission is not merely intellectual but requires the cultivation of understanding, effort, and inner transformation.

Conclusion: Gurdjieff’s Vision of Cosmic and Human Potential

The first chapter of Beelzebub’s Tales to His Grandson is a masterwork of esoteric teaching, blending narrative, symbolism, and cosmology to create a multidimensional experience. Through the character of Beelzebub, the invocation of cosmic laws, and the deliberate engagement of the reader’s three centers, Gurdjieff demonstrates his unparalleled genius as a teacher and storyteller.

By framing humanity’s struggles within a vast cosmic context, Gurdjieff challenges the reader to see beyond their limited perspective and recognize their potential for awakening. This chapter not only introduces the themes of the book but also serves as a microcosm of Gurdjieff’s entire teaching, encapsulating the principles of conscious effort, alignment with universal laws, and the possibility of transformation.

(End of Part 2. In the final section, we will explore how the first chapter sets the stage for the reader’s inner journey and reflects Gurdjieff’s ultimate aim: the awakening of humanity to its cosmic purpose.)